While my son and I were in Vientiane , Laos , we took the opportunity on an overcast day to walk to Patuxay (Gate of Triumph). It was easy to find as it is in a beautiful location centered on Lan Xang Boulevard . Although it was a grey day, the grey concrete structure was easy to see on our approach. As we got closer, we saw that the Patuxay was ornately decorated in Laotion style with intricate Kinnan figures. The Patuxay was showing its age (built in the sixties), but still very impressive. While it was not the Champ Elysees, it was still something to see. Fortunately, the traffic was light enough to allow us reasonably safe access across the lanes of traffic to the structure. Once there, we were happy to find out that the structure contained several floors being used as markets that offered Laotian crafts and other goods. Better still, we discovered that the Patuxay’s top floor was an excellent observation area for curious travelers. Much of Vientiane could be seen from the top of the structure and the views were beautiful in every direction. We took some great photographs and shopped awhile before bidding Patuxay adieu or Saukdee Later, a Laotian police officer told me an amusing story. He purported that the materials (concrete) for the Patuxay were given to Laos by the United States for the construction of a runway. Instead, the Laotian government felt it had a better use for the materials and built the Patuxay. I got a good laugh out of that story, but I have been unable to verify those facts. Good journeys!

sunday morning it is the best time to go at patuxay and also foto picture because there are no cars on the street and not so many people!
nice view also from the top of...

This arc is looking a bit like the one in Paris. It's made from concrete that the USA donated, to make a landing strip. A vertical one :-)

It was funny to see where the French had been before they left a mark: traiumphal arch and baguette :o))))

Definantly resembles Arc de Triomphe of France. Excellent place to check out some relief art, people watch, and get some photos in.